Daily study sessions are needed to keep the material fresh in your mind and to give yourself time to make connections between concepts. If you have other homework, you may decide to do it during your designated study time since it will help you better grasp the material. By reserving a specific time each day for studying, it can be easier to focus, because you won’t have to worry about any other priorities competing for your attention. [2] X Expert Source Ted Coopersmith, MBAAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
Avoid sitting in front of the television or around a busy part of your home. Some people like to study in the library or coffee shop, but this may not work for you if you’re easily distracted by movement or noises.
Keep your cell phone away from you, as it will distract you. Only check your emails or messages after studying, during break time. Charge your cell phone while you’re studying. Your cell phone will need the extra boost, and you’ll be happy that your phone is away from you.
You can also use a wall planner and to-do lists to keep track of assignments and what you plan to study each day. [7] X Research source
It’s okay for your plan to be a general outline. Don’t let your planning waste the time you plan to use for studying. Break the information down so you’re only tackling a little each day. That can keep you from feeling overwhelmed, and it will be easier to reward yourself continuously for sticking to your plan. [10] X Expert Source Ted Coopersmith, MBAAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
If you can, highlight the important parts of the texts. Research anything you don’t understand and look up confusing vocabulary. Make yourself a flashcard on the spot so that you’ll have it for later.
It’s crucial that you review the information in the weeks and days leading up to the exam. The more you revisit the information, the more it will become internalized and easier to remember. [14] X Research source
Check with your teacher or professor to make sure that it’s okay to record the lecture. Don’t use this as an excuse to not take notes during class. You should still take notes to help yourself learn the material.
Try using index cards to make your flashcards or cut up a piece of paper. Additionally, you could use an online tool like quizlet or Kahoot to create flashcards and practice quizzes.
For a multiple-choice exam, make lists and tables, know the differences between concepts and words, and know-how topics are related to each other. [17] X Research source For a fill-in-the-blank exam, focus on your notes because most teachers take their questions from the notes they provide. You should expect your teacher to remove an important word or words from a sentence, such as a term, date, phrase, or historical figure. [18] X Research source For an essay or short answer exam, pay attention to what your instructor emphasized in class. Write out what you know about this topic and do additional research if necessary. Use the syllabus, study guide, and textbook summary of the material to make a list of possible questions. Create a study list for each possible essay question. [19] X Research source
Some people benefit from shorter, more frequent breaks. You should also take a break when you’re feeling frustrated. If you were studying using a computer or other electronic device, don’t use devices during your breaks. Your eyes will thank you![21] X Research source
Many schools offer free tutoring from teachers or peers.
Look for a study group at your school. Visit the local or school library to find postings about study groups on the bulletin board. Ask your friends to form a study group with you.
When you’re getting started, attach your reward to your behavior, such as studying each day, rather than the outcome, which would be your grade. Ask your parents or roommate to help you with the rewards. They may be able to give you an allowance for meeting your study goals, or they could hold onto the candy and give you a piece when you earn it.
Other great options are to color code your notes, use a highlighter, draw diagrams, or sketch out what you’re learning. [27] X Research source Use mnemonics and mental imagery to help you recall certain rules and formulas. For instance, in math, you might use the acronym PEMDAS (parenthesis, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction) to remember the order of operations in an equation. [28] X Expert Source Ted Coopersmith, MBAAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.
You can also try reading your notes out loud or explaining what you’re learning aloud to someone else. [30] X Research source
Other great options include role-playing, making a model, or creating a representation of what you’re learning. [32] X Research source
